In all disciplines, critical thinking plays a pivotal role in helping individuals make well-informed decisions collectively or at a personal level (Miller, 2012). Notably, critical thinking entails a structured process that involves reflective and reasonable thinking on concepts, ideas, as well as beliefs with the aim of finding a solution. Critical thinking has also been defined as the “thinking about thinking.” The importance of critical thinking in the air force cannot be underestimated. Indeed, the primary role of critical thinking in the Military Decision Making Process (MDMP) is ensuring that brainpower is converted into combat power, which is essentially important for any air force officer. On this note, it should be remembered that at the heart of the process lies the mind of an air force officer. According to military experts, the process takes two-part dimension, which includes thinking about “oneself thinking,” as well as evaluating the outcome, be it bad or good, of the same thinking (Stone & Air University, 2016).
The intention behind critical thinking for an air force officer is to ensure that the acquired and genetic impediments in officers’ capacity of thinking rationally are overcome. Critical thinking, especially among air force officers, is therefore crucial as it helps them achieve a higher probability of operational successes (Miller, 2012). However, it is important to note that the use of critical thinking does not ensure that the same success is guaranteed. At the same time, through critical thinking, an air force officer is able to apply self-conscious efforts in recognizing personal paradigms, bias or the consequential effects and mindsets in finding solutions to military problems.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
The Role of Conceptual Framework in Leadership
The use of a conceptual framework such as the OODA Loop plays a pivotal role in assisting leaders effectively plan their operations as well as analyzing both successes and self-reflection. Apparently, conceptual frameworks are guiding models that are used in finding a solution to a given problem. One of such framework that has and can be well applied by leaders is the OODA Loop model. The role of conceptual frameworks can be viewed in four ways. Firstly, conceptual frameworks provide leaders with ideas on where to start their operations (Turk, 2012) . For example, in OODA Loop model, a leader should start by observing different parameters of existing circumstances such as the cause of the problem. Further, conceptual frameworks provide the process through which a given operation should follow (Miller, 2012) . Thirdly, the process provided in a framework should lead to the expected outcome. Finally, some conceptual framework entails the mechanisms of assessing the results based on the objectives and goals as well as monitoring systems, which helps in ensuring that objectives are achieved. Connectively, it is on such mechanisms that leaders are able to reflect on what has been achieved as well as areas that need improvements.
The Importance of Self-Regulation and Reflection in Effective Critical Thinking
Admittedly, self-regulation and reflection are critical components in ensuring that critical thinking is effective (Stone & Air University, 2016). Based on the recent related literature, self-regulation and CT are believed to be directly connected, since a person who is self-regulated can critically think, learn more effectively and in a shorter period compared to an individual who may not possess such abilities. Self-regulation helps in ensuring that one controls all aspects that may hinder the expected outcome. Therefore, through self-regulation, one can apply necessary efforts or strategies in solving a given problem. On the other hand, self-reflection is the assessment of one’s ability, strengths, and weaknesses in meeting a given objective. On this basis, it is clear that both self-regulation and self-reflection cannot be detached from effective critical thinking.
References
Miller, R. M. (2012). Lincoln and leadership: Military, political, and religious decision-making .
New York: Fordham University Press.
Stone, A. J., & Air University (U.S.). (2016). Critical thinking skills of US Air Force senior and
intermediate developmental education students .
Turk, J. M. (2012). Explaining critical thinking skills, leadership skills, and openness to diversity
in fraternity members: A quantitative analysis . Ames, Iowa: Iowa State University.
